8th December 2023
What’s On this Christmas in the Lake District, Cumbria
The festive season is fast approaching and the Lake District is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit.
Explore snow topped towns and villages mulled wine in hand or get into the festive spirit with a visit to one of the many markets, where you can enjoy seasonal food and drink and pick up local gifts to take home.
Here’s our run down of festive events taking place this Christmas across the Lake District.
Winter Wonderland, Hayes Garden
If you want to soak up the festive atmosphere, you can’t beat the Winter Wonderland at Hayes Garden World in Ambleside, which is open from early December up to the 23rd.
Explore the magical realm which is decorated with Christmas lights and artificial snow for a real festive feel, leading to Santa’s grotto, where younger visitors may be lucky enough to see the man himself. Don’t forget to fit in some festive shopping at the German-style Christmas market, which has a range of delightful seasonal produce and gifts.
Kendal Christmas Market: 9 December
An enchanting Christmas market in the town of Kendal, with unique gift stalls, food and drink, festive music and Santa’s grotto.
Taste Cumbria Christmas: 9 & 10 December
If you like festive food and drink, you’ll love Taste Cumbria Christmas. Held in Cockermouth, this popular food festival highlights the best of Cumbrian produce, with a local makers market, picnic area and live music and a hot food court. There will also be plenty of gifts and homeware to shop for the perfect Christmas present.
The Magical World of Beatrix Potter at Christmas
Little ones will love a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, and it is even more magical in December, with Father Christmas tea parties and a winter wonderland to explore. The price includes admission to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction.
Muncaster Castle Afternoon Tea
For a very special festive afternoon tea, visit Muncaster Castle during the run up to Christmas. You’ll be greeted with a glass of mulled wine to warm you up, and tea, sandwiches, scones + cakes are served in one of the specially decorated state rooms. The price also offers you admission to the gardens, as well as the Hawk and Owl Centre.
Lowther Castle and Gardens
Lowther Castle and Gardens near Penrith has Santa visiting on weekends in December. Children receive a gift and can join in the Christmas activities. Various workshops are being hosted, from creating a decorative wooden reindeer to making a Christmas bird-feeder wreath.
Wrap up warm and you can enjoy fell-walking even in December, but be sure to keep safe and check that the weather forecast is suitable before you set off.
If you don’t fancy exploring the beautiful scenery of the Lakes on foot during the cooler months, there are other ways of getting about and taking in the view.
A boat trip in the Lake District is a pleasure at any time of year, but at Christmas time it has an extra dimension, with sparkling lights on shore adding to the beauty of the scenery. Take a special festive trip on Derwentwater and enjoy a mince pie and sherry, while children receive a present.
Alternatively, get on board one of the Ullswater steamer trips for a festive afternoon tea during December, or, on Sunday 16th December book, one of the special Santa cruises. Departing from Glenridding, the Santa Cruise includes a magic show and a Christmas present for the children, with mince pies and refreshments for grown-ups.
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is operating a series of Santa Specials, running along one of the most scenic lines in the country. Carols, seasonal drinks and a visit from Santa and his elves make for a very special festive train journey.
Santa will also be making an appearance at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, and there will be festive stalls at Ravenglass Station on December weekends leading up to Christmas. Don’t miss the Mince Pie trains running in December! Pick up your token with your ticket and exchange it for a mince pie in the café at Ravenglass Station.
